# XIV explained — Bambi

> Chapter companion for Bambi by Felix Salten.

## What happens

Bambi awakens from a deep sleep to hear what he believes is Faline calling him. He is stopped by the old stag, who insists the call is not from Faline but from Him. The old stag forces Bambi to follow him slowly and cautiously through the forest, demonstrating masterful stealth. They approach the source of the call and discover He is imitating Faline's voice to lure Bambi. The old stag leads Bambi away in a careful zigzag course, saving his life. After the danger passes, the old stag vanishes silently, leaving Bambi alone and deeply moved.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fear and Danger

The chapter centers on the deadly trap set by Him, who imitates Faline's voice, and Bambi's terror upon realizing the deception.

### Solitude and Independence

The old stag's silent departure leaves Bambi alone, emphasizing the solitary path he must walk.

### Growth and Maturation

Bambi learns to trust the old stag's wisdom over his own impulses, a key step in his maturation.

## Character check-ins

### Bambi

Awakens from sleep, hears Faline's call, and is restrained by the old stag from rushing to what he believes is her voice.

### Faline

Mentioned as the one Bambi believes is calling him; she is not actually present.

### the old Prince

Intercepts Bambi, insists the call is a trap, and leads him stealthily away from Him, saving Bambi's life.

### the stranger

Referred to as 'He' who imitates Faline's voice to lure Bambi; the source of danger.

## Key lines

> He saved my life," Bambi kept thinking. "What can I say to him?" But the old stag was nowhere to be seen.

Bambi reflects on being rescued and wants to thank the old stag, but the stag has disappeared without a trace.

_Highlights Bambi's gratitude and the old stag's mysterious, self-effacing nature._

> No," said the old stag sadly, "you'll never come back, never again."

The old stag warns Bambi that if he goes to the call, he will not survive.

_Emphasizes the life-or-death stakes of Bambi's decision._

> He was standing quite close to them leaning against the trunk of an oak, hidden by hazel bushes. He was calling softly, "Come, come!"

Him is concealed nearby, using Faline's voice to lure Bambi into a trap.

_Reveals the cunning and danger of the hunter._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bambi_se/chapters/xiv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bambi_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bambi_se/chapters